| Abstract | Within the context of climate change and in order to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, mass timber products are increasingly used in mid-rise and high-rise buildings. As such, considerable efforts have been invested in developing technical data to support their implementation in North America, with primary emphasis placed on assessing structural, fire, and acoustical performance. Whilst many mass timber buildings have been or are being constructed in many jurisdictions across the country, there are still concerns about the thermal and hygrothermal response and expected moisture performance of mass timber products used in building enclosures. Climate change notwithstanding, tallwood buildings are subjected to increased wind and rain loads given increases in building height. This prolongs the exposure of building enclosures to wind-driven rain and wind loads, and increases the risk of premature deterioration of wood-based wall and roof assemblies. It is also anticipated that future projections of the effects of climate change and extreme weather events will exacerbate the situation. The objective of this study is to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the moisture performance and durability of tallwood building envelopes, using hygrothermal simulations. Deficiencies in the walls that may lead to rain penetration are considered. Potential pathways to adapt design of massive timber to climate change are also explored. |
|---|
